I don’t know what you do, but I think I want your job…
To answer the OP, I haven’t figured it out yet. I didn’t used to feel a slump, because classes would start in January, so I was busy planning for that. Then the slumps never ended. Now I’m having to figure it out, but I’m already noticing the days getting a hair longer, and the puppy is growing and I’m searching for a job.
Generally, things are okay for me.
And the cricket is on TV. Lots and lots of lovely CRICKET!
I hate you. 
Still, for me, January isn’t even close to being as depressing as November. January and February are usually the coldest part of winter, but they tend to be sunny and beautiful. And we get a new holiday in February this year as well: Family Day (third Monday in Feb; this year it’s the 18th). November is cold rain and decreasing light and cloud and wretched, miserable conditions.
No, no, you have to arrange your taxes in such a way as to receive a large refund in early February, instead of owing, and then you get to indulge in some shopping therapy to banish those winter doldrums. This strategy works well for me.
W. H. Auden’s For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio is one of the best expressions of the post-Christmas blahs I’ve encountered (from a Christian perspective, that is, so YMMV). The pastor at my parents’ church read it once or twice on the Sunday after Christmas, and I make a habit of digging it out when this time of the year rolls around.
February…arrggghh. I’ve always hated it. For a short month, it seems interminable in winter country. At least we have Fur Rendezvous arriving about that time, followed closely by Iditarod, then the long wait for spring.
Thanks for reminding me. :rolleyes:
What? It’s January?
Hmm.
It does, especially since you know that spring is getting closer but you just have to make it through this month (and some more, but February is the worst of the remaining winter).
It also seems, to me at least, to be compounded by Valentine’s day. Not so much the being single on Valentines (though that sucks enough), I don’t mind it anymore… it’s the being constantly reminded you don’t have someone to snuggle and share body heat with which seems to make February seem that much colder.
Maybe I need a puppy for that one. 
Christmas has been depressing for me for the last few years, but once the holidays are over I’m generally okay. At the end of January depression kicks in again for about a week, since both my Mom and my wife died then. I try not to think about Valentin’s Day.
Going on a vacation, or at least planning one, really helps me get through the January slump.
A few years ago I got really depressed at this time of year. In order to give us something to look forward to, the boyfriend and I went on a fun winter getaway in Door County, WI. We had a great time, decided to come back again the next year, and now it’s something of a tradition. That’s where he proposed last year
God, yes, I hate February. Shortest month of the year my arse. :dubious: At least with January you get that whole new year/fresh start vibe. By February, it’s just…hold on until Spring!
I’ve just noticed that some of my daffodils and crocuses are showing their tips above the soil. So roll on spring.
If the ancient Romans refused to recognize January & February, so can I. My New Year starts March 1st.
Darkness? It’s 79 and sunny out. Also, for me, January is a great time – the holidays are over, and we (at work) get our stores back from the two-month lunacy of the holiday season.
Income tax season means a small refund, and then that means vacation’s coming. What’s not to like about January?
Worst thing about January is waiting for everyone to get their tanned backsides back from off the beaches and back to work so that services are running normally again. That’s nothing, really. My slump is thed last two weeks of December (least favourite time oif the year). Once all that stuff’s over with, it’s plain sailing.
Pitchers and catchers report soon (Feb 13th for the Kansas City Royals, who need all the practice time they can get). That’s only 37 days until the first sign of spring training.
How to cope with January.
First, it’s getting light sooner in the morning. That makes it easier to get up. I can handle it being dark when I get off work, but it’s hard to get out of bed in the dark.
Second, It’s my birthday today. Yay.
Third, I’ll be able to send for my refund soon. Not that I necessarily will, but I’ll be able to.
Fourth, I bought a roomba. It’s like having someone else vacuum for me. Feeling down? Push the button. It perplexes the dog, too, which is fun to watch. She can’t decide if it’s a machine to run from or another animal to chase. Oh, the ambivalence.
Fifth, I took the dog over to my kids’ place. They’re going to watch her for a couple of days so that I can potter around downtown after work and not worry about her.
The Giants beat the Bucs yesterday, and they’re going to beat the scum-sucking Cowboys next weekend. There is no January slump.
Huh…same here. That’s some kinda fucked-up Doper holiday right there.
1.) Drinking
2.) Shopping
3.) Compiling lists of stuff to do like visiting historic houses, going to museums and concerts, etc., then doing it
4.) Hanging out with friends and having parties at each others’ houses
5.) Trying new recipes
6.) Going to Florida for a couple of weeks